By LESLIE COLLINS
Northeast News
September 5, 2012 

Area residents will be able to experience the sights, the aromas and the tastes of Northeast during the Sept. 8 NEKC Taste and Tour.

Sponsored by the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, the Taste and Tour serves as the major fundraiser for the chamber.

“One, it’s going to be good for the neighborhoods to come out and socialize with neighborhoods from throughout the community,” said Bobbie Baker-Hughes, chamber president. “Two, it’s going to be really great for the restaurants to be able to showcase their foods and share their menus.”

The evening will include a variety of activities, beginning with a tour of Historic Northeast from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The number of tours will depend on the number of attendees who are interested in participating. Attendees should meet at the American Sons of Columbus Hall, 2415 Independence Ave. A tour bus will ferry attendees across Historic Northeast, showcasing gems like the Kansas City Museum, the 18th and Vine Jazz District, historic homes, international market districts, area parks, Cliff Drive and more.

For those wanting to forgo the tour, a social hour will be held at the American Sons of Columbus Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Beginning at 7 p.m. the tunes of the jazz inspired Grand Marquis Band will fill the air. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. attendees can sample delectable dishes from more than 20 restaurants located in the Northeast area. Types of food will include American, Ethiopian, French, Haitian, Italian, Mexican, Somalian and Vietnamese. In addition, a local chocolatier will share a variety of tasty chocolates.

The swingsters, a swing dance performance troupe, will hit the stage from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition, there will be a cash bar, silent auction and raffle. The event will continue until 11 p.m.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at Northeast News, 5715 St. John Ave.; Central Bank of Kansas City, 2301 Independence Blvd.; UMB Bank, 6400 Independence Ave.; and by calling the chamber, (816) 231-3312. Tickets may also be purchased on the chamber’s website, http://nekcchamber.com, via PayPal.